Bathroom Remodeling and Renovation

Yes. Bathroom remodeling is usually the most complex type of home renovation because it combines plumbing, waterproofing, electrical, tile installation, ventilation and design in a small space. It also has the highest rates of failure, frustration and project abandonment of any project. A successful bathroom renovation requires careful planning, skilled trades and strong project management from a financially stable contractor.

Yes. Any bathroom remodeling contractor you hire should be properly licensed, insured and EPA certified. Homeowners should ask for the contractor’s insurance agent to email them directly proof of general liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Contractors should also show proof of a currently valid Illinois general contractor license. In Illinois, plumbing work must be completed by a plumber licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health; ask to see proof of this license. Especially important during a bathroom renovation is the electrical work. Note that Illinois does not issue electrician licenses at the state level; the exact licensing requirements will depend on the city or county where the work is to be done. Ask to see proof of licensure by your city or county. The EPA requires any pre-1978 house to have an EPA Repair, Renovate and Paint Lead Paint Certification or risk fines up to $37,500.

Ask how long the contractor has been doing bathroom remodeling specifically and how many similar bathroom renovation projects they have completed recently. For Get Dwell, our contractors must have remodeled at least 25 bathrooms before they can begin working on one for our clients. A contractor with strong bathroom remodeling experience is more likely to understand layout challenges, waterproofing details, tile installation, lighting design and the coordination required for a smooth remodel.

Many bathroom remodeling contractors can help with layout, fixture placement, material recommendations and practical design decisions. Ask whether the contractor will assist with bathroom design or whether you need to hire a separate designer. For small bathrooms or those with an odd layout, smart layout decisions can make a big difference in appearance, lighting, function and storage.

Ask what problems the contractor sees with your current bathroom layout, what improvements they recommend and what materials they suggest for tile, waterproofing, vanities and fixtures. A knowledgeable bathroom remodeling contractor should be able to explain how the design can improve flow, storage, lighting and long-term durability. They should also help you understand which ideas are timeless, which trends may fit your space and what choices may not be the best investment for your home.

Proper waterproofing is one of the most critical parts of a bathroom remodel. If it is done incorrectly, or not thoroughly enough, moisture can get behind tile and finished surfaces and begin damaging walls, floors and subfloors long before you realize there is a problem.

By the time the damage becomes visible, the bathroom may need major demolition and repair, and in some cases structural rot may also need to be addressed. These kinds of hidden moisture problems are among the most frustrating and expensive issues homeowners face after a bathroom remodel.

That is why it is so important to work with a contractor who understands proven waterproofing methods, follows a careful process and stands behind their work. Ask what waterproofing system they use, whether they are trained or certified in industry-standard methods and what warranty they provide.

At Get Dwell, we place so much importance on this part of the bathroom remodeling process that we provide a lifetime warranty on our shower pans. Waterproofing is not an area where corners should ever be cut — it is one of the biggest factors in the long-term durability of your new bathroom.

Many bathroom projects in Chicago require permits, especially if the work involves plumbing, electrical changes or structural modifications. Homeowners should ask whether the contractor will pull the permits, what inspections may be required and how the production schedule will accommodate this throughout the bathroom renovation.

In most cases, the contractor should handle the permit process for a bathroom renovation. Be cautious if a contractor asks you, as the homeowner, to pull the permit yourself.

Permit requirements vary by municipality, and the process can be confusing and time-consuming. A professional contractor should understand what permits are required, make sure the work is properly documented and coordinate any needed inspections.

Having the contractor manage permits also helps keep the project organized from the start. If issues or unknown conditions come up after work begins, delays can become more costly and disruptive — especially if the contractor is juggling other projects.

A qualified bathroom remodeling contractor should clearly explain the permit process, identify what applies to your project and take responsibility for helping the work move forward properly.

Bathroom remodeling timelines vary based on the size of the bathroom, the scope of work, material availability and whether plumbing or electrical changes are involved. In many cases, a bathroom remodel takes about 2–4 weeks, though more complex projects may take longer.

Your contractor should provide a clear timeline that explains:

• the expected steps of the project from demolition through completion
• when work is scheduled to begin
• whether the crew will be committed to your project consistently
• how delays, change orders or material availability issues will be handled

A professional contractor should set realistic expectations from the start and communicate clearly throughout the project, so you understand what to expect at each stage.

Yes. This is an important question to ask before your bathroom remodel begins.

Many delays and failed projects happen when contractors are juggling too many jobs at once and moving back and forth between projects. Ask whether your contractor will be committed to your project consistently or splitting time among multiple jobs.

You should also ask what happens if the lead remodeler becomes sick, injured or otherwise unavailable. A professional company should have a clear backup plan and enough team support to keep the project moving.

Progress payments tied to clearly defined milestones can also help keep everyone aligned and accountable throughout the job.

A clear commitment to your schedule, along with a realistic project plan and contingency planning, can reduce stress and make the remodeling process much easier to manage.

A bathroom remodeling estimate should clearly outline both the cost and the full scope of work. It should explain what work will be performed, which materials are included, what labor is covered, any allowances or exclusions and how the payment schedule will be structured.

The estimate should also address possible hidden issues behind the walls, such as plumbing, framing or moisture damage, and explain how any additional work or change orders would be handled if problems are discovered during construction.

A clear, written estimate helps homeowners compare contractors more confidently, understand what is and is not included and avoid confusion or unexpected costs during the renovation process.

Ask whether the contractor will provide a detailed written estimate, what the payment schedule looks like, how change orders are handled and what contingency plan and budget you should plan for. Clear pricing and a formal plan are two of the best ways to avoid disputes during a bathroom remodel.

Bathroom remodeling projects sometimes uncover hidden issues such as old plumbing, water damage or outdated wiring. Ask what possible change orders might occur and how change orders are approved, documented and priced. A good contractor should anticipate possible issues and discuss changes clearly before extra work begins.

Most bathroom remodeling projects involve multiple trades, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry and sometimes specialty work such as tile installation or wallpapering.

Ask which subcontractors will be involved, whether they are properly licensed and ask for proof of insurance for any subcontractors working on your project. It is also important to confirm that your remodeler has strong experience working with those subcontractors and will actively supervise their work throughout the project.

A well-managed bathroom remodel depends on good coordination among all trades, clear accountability and consistent oversight from the contractor managing the job.

Ask who your main point of contact will be and whether a project manager will be overseeing the work each day.

Strong project management is especially important in bathroom remodeling because so many moving parts, trades and deadlines need to be coordinated. A well-managed project helps keep communication clear, scheduling organized and problems addressed quickly if they arise.

At Get Dwell, all remodeling projects are managed by experienced project managers who are trained in our policies, procedures and project management systems, helping ensure the work is carefully coordinated from start to finish.

Bathroom remodeling can disrupt daily life, especially when work is happening inside an occupied home. Ask what the plan is to keep your home functioning well — what hours the crew will work, how they will protect your home from dust and debris, and how they will handle cleanup and debris removal each day and throughout the project.

Chicago and North Shore homes often come with older plumbing, aging electrical systems, tighter spaces and construction methods that can affect how a bathroom renovation should be planned and executed.

A contractor with local bathroom remodeling experience is more likely to understand the common challenges these homes present, the materials and methods that work best and the permit requirements in your area.

And because unexpected issues are common in remodeling, local experience also matters when it comes to problem-solving. A well-established contractor with a strong local team and trusted trade partners is often better equipped to respond quickly, keep the project moving and help get things back on schedule when surprises arise.

A great bathroom remodeling contractor brings together experience, craftsmanship, communication and strong project management. They should understand bathroom design, waterproofing, ventilation, tile work, plumbing, electrical coordination, permits and scheduling — and be able to manage all of those moving parts with confidence.

They should also be organized and professional: showing up on time, communicating clearly, providing detailed estimates, setting realistic timelines and following a consistent process from start to finish.

It is also smart to look for a contractor with an established local presence, a professional team and visible signs of accountability, such as a company location, marked trucks and uniforms. These details often reflect a higher level of commitment to the business, the community and the people doing the work.

At Get Dwell, we also believe a great contractor invests in training the next generation of skilled craftsmen. We use the Lead Carpenter Training System to help ensure our project managers stay current and continue developing talented team members the right way.